Improved Firearm Cartridges and Delivery System

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a modular cartridge system for firearms. The system includes a plurality of cartridges that each having a base, a rim, a case, and a projectile coupled to the case. Each cartridge of the system includes base and rim dimensions that are functionally equivalent to each other, projectile diameters that are variable between 0.220 inches and 0.4050 inches, and case lengths that are variable between 0.500 inches and 2.000 inches.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/081,280 filed Jul. 16, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly, to firearm cartridges and to a firearm delivery system for delivering the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Standard firearm cartridges have historically been designed with little regard to (among other considerations): (1) the impact such design will have on a particular weapon's ability to readily change calibers, (2) the number of weapons that are required in order to utilize different calibers, (3) the costs of manufacturing, packaging, shipping and storing numerous types of ammunition, or (4) the relative ease with which load experimentation and development can be performed and implemented.

In fact, many known cartridges were designed with little regard to these considerations, such as the 9 mm Luger, 45 ACP, 223 Rem./5.56 NATO, and the 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO which are some of the most widely available pistol and rifle cartridges in the world. Each of these rounds has varying levels of benefits and drawbacks depending upon the needs of the application in which they are to be utilized. For example, a user must generally compromise between cartridge firepower, capacity, controllability/accuracy and costs. The 9 mm Luger, 45 ACP, 223 Rem. and the 308 Winchester all require entirely different parent case dimensions to be manufactured, as well as different magazines, bolts, barrels and often entirely different weapons. Thus, inefficiencies result such as, unnecessary manufacturing complexities, increased storage requirements, longer and more costly production line changes, increased quality control difficulties, significant entry barriers to manufacturers, and a higher ratio of price to both overall quality and quantity (among other inefficiencies).

In particular, the 9 mm Luger is favored by shooters for a combination of it's relatively low cost and the ability to load a higher number of rounds into a firearm's magazine. However, it is also generally regarded as lacking significant stopping power for self-defense. There are numerous documented cases of assailants who have continued attacks after being repeatedly shot with typical 9 mm bullets. This shortfall has created a significant desire among civilians and military personnel for pistol cartridges with a greater amount of what is known as “stopping-power,” or the ability of a bullet to effectively end an assailant's attack. As a result, the more powerful 40 S&W, and the even more powerful 45 ACP cartridges, have become very popular among civilians for their ability to “stop” assailants from advancing in an attack.

While the 45 ACP as stated above has a proven track record of a favorable amount of stopping-power, it is not entirely without complaints. The increased case diameter of the 45 ACP over that of the 9 mm is such that the outer grip dimensions of firearms designed to utilize many 45 caliber pistol magazines is too large for an unacceptably high percentage of user's hands. Thus, most firearms chambered for 45 ACP are designed to utilize either semi-stacked or even thinner single-stacked magazines. While this does reduce the grip thickness to an acceptable level, it also reduces the total number of rounds a magazine can hold.

A similar stopping-power vs. magazine capacity tradeoff exists between the 223 Rem./5.56 NATO and 308 Win./7.62 NATO rounds, with the 308 Winchester possessing the advantage of higher stopping power but with the disadvantage of decreased magazine capacity. The general consensus among shooters is that while the 308's recoil is excessive for repeated high volume use, significantly more stopping-power than that which the 223 possesses is somewhat of a necessity for self defense.

Such tradeoffs in cartridge characteristics dictate that ammunition manufacturers continue to produce all of these different cartridges so that a variety of cartridges are available to consumers that allow consumers to choose a type of ammunition/firearm that is appropriate for a given set of circumstances. However, as previously discussed, ammunition produced with a variety of tradeoffs comes at greater expense and complexity, which is passed on to the end user in the form of higher price of ammunition (and requires users to own multiple firearms to utilize the numerous ammunition choices). As imagined, it is often prohibitively expensive for average users to own innumerable firearms and thus, users are forced to make unwanted decisions and settle on one particular set of cartridge characteristics over another (and accept that particular cartridge's characteristics as a compromise).

This dilemma among consumers is furthered exacerbated by the fact that once a compromise caliber is chosen, improving the weapon's ballistic performance isn't feasible. In fact, it is often very difficult and expensive to change calibers and ballistic performance characteristics of a particular firearm, if even possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a modular cartridge system for firearms. The system includes a plurality of cartridges that each having a base, a rim, a case, and a projectile coupled to the case. Each cartridge of the system includes base and rim dimensions that are functionally equivalent to each other, projectile diameters that are variable between 0.220 inches and 0.4050 inches, and case lengths that are variable between 0.500 inches and 2.000 inches.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a modular cartridge system for projectile launching devices. The system includes a plurality of cartridges each having a base, a rim, a case, and a projectile at least partially seated within the case. Also, the base diameter of each cartridge is between 0.380 inches and 0.400 inches and the diameter of the projectile is between 0.220 inches and 0.380 inches, and the length of the case is less than or equal to 2.000 inches.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a modular cartridge system for firearms. The system includes a plurality of cartridges each having a base, a rim, a case, and a projectile coupled to the case. Each cartridge of the system includes base and rim dimensions that are functionally equivalent. The diameter of the projectile is variable between 0.220 inches and 0.4050 inches and the length of the case is variable between 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view and a side cutaway view of a bottlenecked firearm cartridge used to illustrate the dimensions and terminology of exemplary bottlenecked cartridges of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view and a side cutaway view of a straight-walled firearm cartridge used to illustrate the dimensions and terminology of exemplary straight-walled cartridges of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts the overlapping modularity of the sidewall and case head areas according to example cartridges of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts the ammunition storage modularity of the system, according to another aspect of the present invention, showing the cartridges being stored in a clip or magazine.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an example firearm according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention.

FIG. 23 generally depicts the modular cartridge system of the present invention with corresponding exemplary cartridges.

FIGURE REFERENCE NUMERALS

FIG. 1:

-   -   1—Shoulder Diameter     -   2—Neck Diameter/Case Mouth Outer Diameter     -   3—Bullet Diameter     -   4—Overall Length (OAL)     -   5—Case Length     -   6—Neck Length     -   7—Shoulder Height     -   8—Shoulder Angle     -   9—Flash Hole Length     -   10—Primer Pocket Depth     -   11—Flash Hole Diameter     -   12—Primer Diameter     -   13—Extraction Groove Diameter     -   14—Rim Shoulder Diameter     -   15—Rim Diameter     -   16—Base Diameter     -   17—Rim Shoulder Height     -   18—Rim Thickness     -   19—Extraction Groove Height     -   20—Base Height     -   21—Wall Thickness     -   22—Bullet Length     -   23—Neck Radius     -   24—Shoulder Radius     -   25—Center Axis     -   26—Inner Radius at Case Web

FIG. 2:

-   -   27—Neck Diameter/Case Mouth Outer Diameter     -   28—Bullet Diameter     -   29—Overall Lenth (OAL)     -   30—Case Length     -   31—Flash Hole Length     -   32—Primer Pocket Depth     -   33—Flash Hole Diameter     -   34—Primer Diameter     -   35—Extraction Groove Diameter     -   36—Rim Shoulder Diameter     -   37—Rim Diameter     -   38—Base Diameter     -   39—Rim Shoulder Height     -   40—Rim Thickness     -   41—Extraction Groove Height     -   42—Base Height     -   43—Wall Thickness     -   44—Bullet Length     -   45—Center Axis     -   46—Inner Radius at Case Length

FIG. 3:

-   -   47—10 mm AUTO cartridge.     -   48—Example of straight-walled (SW) cartridge embodiment.     -   49—Example of bottlenecked (BN) cartridge embodiments         representing larger bullet diameter ranges.     -   50—Example of bottlenecked (BN) cartridge embodiments         representing smaller bullet diameter ranges.

FIG. 4:

-   -   51—10 mm AUTO cartridges.     -   52—Example of straight-walled (SW) cartridge embodiment.     -   53—Example of bottlenecked (BN) cartridge embodiments         representing larger bullet diameter range.     -   54—Example of bottlenecked (BN) cartridge embodiments         representing smaller bullet diameter range.     -   55—Cutaway view of example magazine shown storing the various         cartridges of the modular cartridge system.

FIG. 5:

-   -   56—Direction of semi/full-auto pistol slide movement during         operation.     -   57—Direction of magazine travel during loading/unloading from         semi/full-auto pistol.     -   58—Direction of frontal surface portion of pistol grip.     -   59—Angle at which 56 intersects/joins 57 and or 58.     -   60—Firearm Grip Length: distance between frontal surface portion         of grip to rear surface portion of grip.     -   61—External Grip Width: distance between side portions of grip.     -   62—Direction of magazine travel during loading/unloading from         semi/full-auto pistol 64.     -   63—External surface width of magazine for semi-auto pistol.     -   64—Semi/full-auto pistol.     -   65—Magazine for semi/full-auto pistol.     -   66—Portions of rearward section of semi/full-auto pistol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Generally, the present invention includes firearm cartridges and a method of manufacturing firearm cartridges that have improved trajectory performance characteristics over known firearm cartridges (e.g. the 223 Rem/5.56 NATO and 308 Win/7.62 NATO prior art cartridges), while reducing or eliminating the need to manufacture multiple types of firearms previously required to utilize differently calibrated cartridges. The present invention also includes firearms that permit a rapid change of cartridge calibers without requiring a corresponding bolt change. Such firearms will reduce the manufacturing complexity and related costs associated with firearms, firearm accessories, and cartridges, while increasing the available production volume, flexibility, quality and improvement capability of ammunition manufacturing. Furthermore, the present invention includes a system of modularly related cartridges and a corresponding delivery system for implementation of the same.

In general terms, the modular cartridge system of the present invention is comprised of modularly related cartridges for projectile launching devices, such as but not limited to firearms, wherein said cartridges receive and or hold a projectile in an open ended portion of a cartridge casing. The cartridge casing may have a constant diameter (sometimes referred to herein as “straight-walled” or “SW”) or it may have a diameter that varies along its length (sometimes referred to herein as “bottle-necked” or “BN”). The modular cartridge system of the present invention includes multiple cartridges that share functionally interchangeable case rim and/or case base dimensions. Utilizing these commonly shared rim and/or base dimensions, cartridges of the present invention include varying overall lengths, neck diameters, and projectile caliber. Thus, the modular cartridge system of the present invention permits an ammunitions manufacturer to build a series of cartridges based on a single-sized case rim and/or case base, while varying the overall case length and shape of the projectile-end of the cartridge to achieve particular performance characteristics as desired.

One example embodiment of a cartridge in accordance with the overall modular cartridge system is depicted in FIG. 2, herein referred to as “10-10-SW” (wherein “10-10” refers to a cartridge having both a rim diameter and base diameter that are functionally equal to each other and that are both functionally the same as the rim diameter and base diameter of the standard 10 mm AUTO cartridge, which has a base diameter of between about 0.411 and about 0.438 inches). As used herein, the term “functionally equal” or “functionally equivalent” means substantially the same and/or capable of mechanically functioning in a similar fashion (although dimensions may not be identical). Furthermore, the “10-10-SW” example embodiment is a straight-walled (“SW”) cartridge (wherein “straight-walled” or “SW” refers to either exactly or substantially straight, non-bottlenecked side-walls having a substantially constant diameter) as depicted in FIG. 2. The 10-10-SW example embodiment also possesses many other dimensions that are functionally equivalent to the 10 mm AUTO cartridge such as the Extraction Groove Diameter 35 being about 0.347 inches±0.025 inches, Rim Shoulder Diameter 36 being about 0.385 inches±0.025 inches, Rim Diameter 37 being about 0.425 inches±0.014 inches, Base Diameter 38 being about 0.425 inches±0.014 inches, Rim Shoulder Height 39 being about 0.020 inches±0.025 inches, Rim Thickness 40 being about 0.055 inches±0.025 inches, Extraction Groove Height 41 being about 0.100 inches±0.025 inches, and Base Height 42 being about 0.139 inches±0.025 inches. In addition, the 10-10-SW example embodiment can also possess the following dimensions:

-   -   Case Mouth Outer Diameter (“CMOD”) 27: greater than the value         for reference number 28.     -   Bullet Diameter (“BD”) 28: greater than about 0.390 inches and         less than about 0.430 inches, preferably about 0.400±0.005         inches.     -   Overall Length (“OAL”) 29: greater than about 1.550 inches and         less than or equal to about 3.000 inches, preferably 1.750         inches±0.2 inches, 2.250 inches±0.25 inches, 2.300 inches±0.25         inches, or 2.750 inches±0.25 inches.     -   Case Length (“CL”) 30: greater than or equal to about 50% and         less than about 80% of the value of OAL 29, or about 70%±10% of         about the value of OAL 29 value, preferably about 0.875         inches±0.2 inches, 1.575 inches±0.2 inches, 1.732 inches±0.2         inches, or 2.120 inches±0.2 inches.     -   Flash Hole Length (“FHL”) 31: equal to or less than about 100%         of case length 30, preferably about 0.25 inches±0.25 inches.     -   Primer Pocket Height (“PPH”) 32: any suitable length, preferably         less than about 0.500 inches, even more preferably greater than         about 0.100 inches and less than about 0.150 inches, or even         more preferably 0.1220 inches±0.05 inches or 0.1299 inches±0.05         inches.     -   Flash Hole Diameter (“FHD”) 33: any suitable width, preferably         less than reference number 34 diameter or less than about 0.100         inches, even more preferably greater than about 0.060         inches±0.025 inches.     -   Primer Pocket Diameter (“PPD”) 34: any suitable width,         preferably less than reference number 35 diameter or less than         about 0.347 inches, even more preferably greater than about         0.150 inches and less than about 0.250 inches, and even more         preferably about 0.1728 inches±0.005 inches or 0.2083±0.005         inches.     -   Case Wall Thickness (“CWT”) 43: any suitable width (can vary as         desired) or functionally the same as or similar to the 10 mm         AUTO's CWT dimensions.     -   Bullet Length (“BL”) 44: any suitable length, preferably greater         than zero and less than the value of OAL 29.

Another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the overall modular cartridge system, herein referred to as “10-10-BN”, is a bottlenecked (“BN”) cartridge as depicted in FIG. 1. The 10-10-BN example embodiment includes dimensions 13-20 that are functionally the same as or similar to the values for similar dimensions of FIG. 2 (i.e. the values represented by reference numbers 35-42 of the SW cartridge embodiment 10-10-SW listed above) and can also possess the following dimensions:

-   -   Shoulder Diameter (“SD”): constrained by and dependent upon         values associated with reference numbers 2-8 (neck diameter,         bullet diameter, overall length, case length, neck length,         shoulder height, and shoulder angle, respectively) and         substantially the same as base diameter 16.     -   Case Mouth Outer Diameter (“CMOD”) 2: greater than the value         represented by bullet diameter 3.     -   Bullet Diameter (“BD”) 3: greater than about 0.200 inches and         less than about 0.276 inches, equal to about 0.284 inches±0.004         inches, or greater than about 0.340 inches and less than about         0.400 inches, but preferably about 0.204 inches±0.004 inches,         about 0.224 inches±0.004 inches, about 0.244 inches±0.004         inches, about 0.251 inches±0.004 inches, about 0.257         inches±0.004 inches, about 0.264 inches±0.004 inches, about         0.284 inches±0.004 inches, or about 0.355 inches±0.004 inches.     -   Neck Length (“NL”) 6: substantially equal to the value of the         bullet diameter 3 ±100%, preferably equal to the value the         bullet diameter 3 ±50% and even more preferably equal to the         value of the bullet diameter 3 ±15%.     -   Shoulder Height (“SH”) 7: value is dependent upon values for         reference numbers 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 (neck diameter, overall         length, case length, neck length, and shoulder angle,         respectively).     -   Shoulder Angle (“SA”) 8: any number of degrees less than 90,         preferably greater than 10 degrees and less than 60 degrees, and         even more preferably, 30 degrees±10 degrees.     -   Neck Radius (“NR”) 23: may possess any amount of suitable radius         but preferably equal to or greater than about 0.000 inches and         less than about 0.250 inches, and even more preferably equal to         or less than about 0.125 inches.     -   Shoulder Radius (“SR”) 24: may possess any amount of suitable         radius but preferably equal to or greater than about 0.000         inches and equal to or less than about 0.250 inches, an even         more preferably equal to or less than about 0.150 inches.

Another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the overall modular cartridge system, herein referred to as “10-R-SW” (wherein “R” refers to a rebated rim cartridge—wherein the cartridge has a relatively reduced/smaller rim diameter than the base diameter), is a rebated rim version of 10-10-SW as depicted in FIG. 2 possessing dimensions represented by reference numbers 35-42 that are functionally the same as or similar to the SW cartridge embodiment 10-10-SW listed above with the exception of a reduced diameter for the value of reference number 37, which is approximately equal to or less than about 0.411 inches, as well as any changes in the values represented by reference numbers 35-36 & 39-42 necessary to facilitate any degree of functional compatibility with 223 Rem/5.56 NATO or 9 mm Luger bolts (or any other bolt which is either designed to or capable of functioning with a cartridge bearing a rim diameter 37 approximately equal to or less than about 0.411 inches) or to facilitate said reduced rim diameter 37, which is preferably equal to about 0.373 inches±0.008 inches (223 Rem compatible), about 0.389 inches±0.008 inches (9 mm Luger compatible), about 0.403 inches±0.008 inches or any other value equal to or less than about 0.411 inches.

Still another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the overall modular cartridge system, herein referred to as “10-R-BN”, is a rebated rim version of 10-10-BN as depicted in FIG. 1 encompassing dimensions embodied by reference numbers 13-20 that are functionally the same as or similar to the BN cartridge embodiment 10-10-BN listed above with the exception of a reduced rim diameter 15, which is approximately equal to or less than about 0.411 inches, as well as any changes in the values encompassed by reference numbers 13-14 & 17-20 necessary to facilitate any degree of functional compatibility with 223 Rem/5.56 NATO or 9 mm Luger bolts (or any other bolt which is either designed to or capable of functioning with a cartridge bearing a rim diameter of the dimensions embodied in rim diameter 15, approximately equal to or less than 0.411 inches) or to facilitate said reduced rim diameter 15, which is preferably equal to about 0.373 inches±0.008 inches (223 Rem compatible), about 0.389 inches±0.008 inches (9 mm compatible), about 0.403 inches±0.008 inches or any other value equal to or less than about 0.411 inches.

Another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the overall modular cartridge system, herein referred to as “9-9-SW”, (wherein “9-9” refers to a cartridge having both a rim diameter and base diameter that are functionally equal to each other and that are functionally the same as or similar to the rim diameter and base diameter of the 9 mm Luger cartridge—base diameter between about 0.382 and about 0.396 inches), is a straight-walled (“SW”) cartridge as depicted in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the 9-9-SW cartridge possesses dimensions encompassed by reference numbers 35-42 that are functionally the same as or similar to the 9 mm Luger cartridge such that the extraction groove diameter 35 is about 0.347 inches±0.025 inches, Rim Shoulder Diameter 36 is about 0.373 inches±0.025 inches, Rim Diameter 37 is about 0.394 inches±0.014 inches, Base Diameter 38 is about 0.394 inches±0.014 inches, Rim Shoulder Height 39 is about 0.015 inches±0.025 inches, Rim Thickness 40 is about 0.050 inches±0.025 inches, Extraction Groove Height 41 is about 0.085 inches±0.025 inches and Base Height 42, is about 0.104 inches±0.025 inches and can also possess the following additional dimensions:

-   -   Case Mouth Outer Diameter (“CMOD”) 27: greater than the value of         the bullet diameter 28.     -   Bullet Diameter (“BD”) 28: greater than about 0.340 inches and         less than about 0.370 inches, preferably about 0.355±0.005         inches.     -   Overall Length (“OAL”) 29: greater than about 1.600 inches and         less than or equal to about 3.000 inches, preferably about 1.750         inches±0.2 inches, about 2.250 inches±0.25 inches, or about         2.750 inches±0.25 inches, and even more preferably about 2.250         inches±0.25 inches.     -   Case Length (“CL”) 30: greater than about 1.160 inches,         preferably about 0.875 inches±0.2 inches, about 1.575 inches±0.2         inches, about 1.732 inches±0.2 inches, or about 2.120 inches±0.2         inches.     -   Flash Hole Length (“FHL”) 31: less than 100% of the value of         case length 30, preferably about 0.25 inches±0.25 inches.     -   Primer Pocket Height (“PPH”) 32: any suitable length, preferably         less than about 0.500 inches, even more preferably greater than         about 0.100 inches and less than about 0.150 inches, or even         more preferably about 0.1220 inches±0.05 inches or about 0.1299         inches±0.05 inches.     -   Flash Hole Diameter (“FHD”) 33: any suitable width, preferably         less than the value of the primer pocket diameter 34 or less         than about 0.100 inches, even more preferably greater than about         0.060 inches±0.025 inches.     -   Primer Pocket Diameter (“PPD”) 34: any suitable width,         preferably less than the value of the extraction groove diameter         35 or less than about 0.347 inches, even more preferably greater         than about 0.150 inches and less than about 0.250 inches, and         even more preferably about 0.1728 inches±0.005 inches or about         0.2083±0.005 inches.     -   Case Wall Thickness (“CWT”) 43: any suitable width (can vary) or         functionally the same as or similar to the 9 mm Luger's CWT         dimensions.     -   Bullet Length (“BL”) 44: any suitable length, preferably greater         than zero and less than the value of the overall length 29.

Still another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the overall modular cartridge system, herein referred to as “9-9-BN”, is a bottlenecked (“BN”) cartridge as depicted in FIG. 1 encompassing dimensions represented by reference numbers 13-20 that are functionally the same as or similar to the values for the dimensions of reference numbers 13-20 of the SW cartridge embodiment 9-9-SW listed above can also possess the following dimensions:

-   -   Shoulder Diameter (“SD”) 1: constrained by and dependent upon         values of reference numbers 2-8 (neck diameter, bullet diameter,         overall length, case length, neck length, shoulder height, and         shoulder angle, respectively) and approximately equal to or         slightly less than the base diameter 16.     -   Case Mouth Outer Diameter (“CMOD”) 2: greater than the value         represented by the bullet diameter 3.     -   Base Diameter (“BD”) 3: greater than about 0.200 inches and less         than about 0.276 inches, equal to about 0.284 inches±0.004         inches, or greater than about 0.340 inches and less than about         0.370 inches, but preferably about 0.204 inches±0.004 inches,         about 0.224 inches±0.004 inches, about 0.244 inches±0.004         inches, about 0.251 inches±0.004 inches, about 0.257         inches±0.004 inches, about 0.264 inches±0.004 inches, about         0.284 inches±0.004 inches, or about 0.355 inches±0.004 inches.     -   Neck Length (“NL”) 6: substantially equal to the value of the         bullet diameter 3 ±100%, preferably equal to the value of the         bullet diameter 3 ±50% and even more preferably equal to the         value of the bullet diameter 3 ±15%.     -   Shoulder Height (“SH”) 7: value is dependent upon values defined         by reference numbers 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 (neck diameter, overall         length, case length, neck length, and shoulder angle,         respectively).     -   Shoulder Angle (“SA”) 8: any number of degrees less than 90,         preferably greater than 10 degrees and less than 60 degrees, and         even more preferably, 30 degrees±10 degrees.

Another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the overall modular cartridge system, herein referred to as “9-R-SW”, is a rebated rim version of 9-9-SW as depicted in FIG. 2 possessing dimensions defined by reference numbers 35-42 that are functionally the same as or similar to the SW cartridge embodiment 9-9-SW listed above with the exception of a reduced diameter for the value of reference number 2.15 which is approximately equal to or less than about 0.381 inches, as well as any changes in the values of reference numbers 35-36 & 39-42 necessary to facilitate any degree of functional compatibility with 223 Rem/5.56 NATO bolts (or any other bolt which is either designed to or capable of functioning with a cartridge bearing a rim diameter defined by the value associated with the rim diameter 37, approximately equal to or less than about 0.381 inches) or to facilitate said reduced diameter of the rim diameter 37, which is preferably equal to about 0.373 inches±0.008 inches or any other value equal to or less than about 0.381 inches.

Another example embodiment of a cartridge according to the overall modular cartridge system, herein referred to as “9-R-BN”, is a rebated rim version of 9-9-BN as depicted in FIG. 1 possessing dimensions characterized by reference numbers 13-20 that are functionally the same as or similar to the BN cartridge embodiment 9-9-BN listed above with the exception of a reduced diameter for the value of the rim diameter 15, which is approximately equal to or less than about 0.381 inches, as well as any changes in the values of reference numbers 13-14 & 17-20 necessary to facilitate any degree of functional compatibility with 223 Rem/5.56 NATO bolts (or any other bolt which is either designed to or capable of functioning with a cartridge bearing a rim diameter 37, approximately equal to or less than about 0.381 inches) or to facilitate said reduced diameter of the rim diameter 37, which is preferably equal to about 0.373 inches±0.008 inches or any other value equal to or less than about 0.381 inches.

Therefore, it can be seen the modular cartridge system of the present invention includes multiple cartridges generally based off of two parent cartridges: the 10 mm AUTO and the 9 mm Luger. Exemplary cartridges based off both the 10 mm AUTO and the 9 mm Luger parent cartridges include both rifle and pistol cartridges. The following is a list of example cartridge embodiments that are included in the modular cartridge system of the present invention, but is not limited thereto (each and every combination of cartridge dimensions listed below is an example embodiment of a cartridge of the modular cartridge system):

Cartridges Based Off of 10 mm AUTO Parent

-   -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4310 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4300 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4290 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4280 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4270 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4260 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4250 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches,         or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4240 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 less than         or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches,         or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4230 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 less than         or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches,         or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4220 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 less than         or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches,         or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4210 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 less than         or equal to 2.000 inches (including embodiments with case         lengths of 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.595         inches, 1.62+/−0.03 inches; and less than about 1.686 inches),         and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220 and         0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches,         or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4200 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 less than         or equal to 2.000 inches (including embodiments with case         lengths of 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.595         inches, 1.62+/−0.03 inches; and less than about 1.686 inches),         and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220 and         0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches,         or between 0.3975 and 0.4050 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4190 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches         (including embodiments with case lengths of 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches; less than about 1.595 inches, 1.62+/−0.03 inches; and         less than about 1.686 inches), and coupled with a projectile         diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and         0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between         0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or         between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290         inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085         and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or         between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050         inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4180 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches         (including embodiments with case lengths of 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches; less than about 1.595 inches, 1.62+/−0.03 inches; and         less than about 1.686 inches), and coupled with a projectile         diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and         0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between         0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or         between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290         inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085         and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or         between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050         inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4170 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches         (including embodiments with case lengths of 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches; less than about 1.595 inches, 1.62+/−0.03 inches; and         less than about 1.686 inches), and coupled with a projectile         diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and         0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between         0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or         between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290         inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085         and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or         between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050         inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4160 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches         (including embodiments with case lengths of 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches; less than about 1.595 inches, 1.62+/−0.03 inches; and         less than about 1.686 inches), and coupled with a projectile         diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and         0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between         0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or         between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290         inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085         and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or         between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050         inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4150 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches         (including embodiments with case lengths of 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches; less than about 1.595 inches, 1.62+/−0.03 inches; and         less than about 1.686 inches), and coupled with a projectile         diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and         0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between         0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or         between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290         inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085         and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or         between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050         inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4140 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches         (including embodiments with case lengths of 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches; less than about 1.595 inches, 1.62+/−0.03 inches; and         less than about 1.686 inches), and coupled with a projectile         diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and         0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between         0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or         between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290         inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085         and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or         between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3975 and 0.4050         inches.

Cartridges Based Off of 9 mm Luger Parent

-   -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.4000 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3990 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3980 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3970 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3960 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3950 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3940 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3930 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches; less than about 1.500         inches; less than about 1.400 inches; less than about 1.300         inches; less than about 1.200 inches; less than about 1.100         inches; or less than about 1.000 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3920 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3910 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches,         or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches         and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3900 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches,         or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches         and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3890 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches,         or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches         and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3880 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches,         or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches         and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3870 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches,         or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches         and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3860 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches,         or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches         and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3850 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches,         or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches         and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3840 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of equal to or greater than 1.500 and less         than or equal to 2.000 inches (and preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2         inches), and coupled with a projectile diameter of between 0.220         and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between         0.240 and 0.250 inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or         between 0.260 and 0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280         inches, or between 0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and         0.3085 inches, or between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between         0.3225 and 0.3255 inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches,         or between 0.3525 and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches         and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3830 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3820 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3810 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.     -   Cartridges having a base diameter of 0.3800 inches+/−0.0005         inches, case lengths of less than or equal to 2.000 inches (and         preferably 1.600 inches+/−0.2 inches), and coupled with a         projectile diameter of between 0.220 and 0.230 inches, or         between 0.230 and 0.240 inches, or between 0.240 and 0.250         inches, or between 0.250 and 0.260 inches, or between 0.260 and         0.270 inches, or between 0.270 and 0.280 inches, or between         0.280 and 0.290 inches, or between 0.3055 and 0.3085 inches, or         between 0.3085 and 0.3115 inches, or between 0.3225 and 0.3255         inches, or between 0.3355 and 0.3385 inches, or between 0.3525         and 0.3585 inches, or between 0.3585 inches and 0.3800 inches.

Additional example cartridge embodiments that are included in the modular cartridge system of the present invention are depicted in FIGS. 6-22, which include more detailed dimensions for each cartridge depicted therein. It is important to note that the dimensions depicted within FIGS. 6-22 are referenced in inches (unless otherwise noted) and have a tolerance of +/−5%, and more preferably a tolerance of +/−3%, and even more preferably a tolerance of +/−1%, and still even more preferably a tolerance of +/−0.010 inches, and still further more preferably a tolerance of +/−0.005 inches. It is also generally preferred for the shoulder angle of said cartridges, if of bottlenecked design, to be approximately 30 degrees with a tolerance of +/−10 degrees (20-40 degrees). It is also preferable for the base diameter of all embodiments in FIGS. 6-22 to have a tolerance of +/−0.01 or less and to have relatively little if any restriction on overall length of cartridge provided the case length restrictions remain intact.

Still other example cartridge embodiments are depicted in FIG. 23, which generally shows aspects of the modular cartridge system discussed herein. The example embodiments depicted in FIG. 23 also include the same tolerance ranges as those described above for the example embodiments in FIGS. 6-22.

Still further example cartridge dimensions that describe example cartridges of the modular cartridge system of the present invention are shown below in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Pistol Rifle .4250 < Base ≦ .4310 0.220 ≦ Projectile ≦ 0.420 0.220 ≦ Projectile ≦ 0.420 0.500 ≦ Case ≦ 1.400 1.400 ≦ Case ≦ 2.000 .4220 ≦ Base < .4250 0.220 ≦ Projectile ≦ 0.420 1.400 ≦ Case ≦ 2.000 .4140 ≦ Base < .4220 0.220 ≦ Projectile ≦ 0.420 1.400 ≦ Case ≦ 1.669 Neck Length < Projectile Diameter .3915 ≦ Base ≦ .4000 0.220 ≦ Projectile ≦ 0.380 0.220 ≦ Projectile ≦ 0.380 0.500 ≦ Case ≦ 1.400 1.400 ≦ Case ≦ 2.000 .3800 ≦ Base < .3915 0.220 ≦ Projectile ≦ 0.380 1.400 ≦ Case ≦ 2.000

In still other example embodiments of the present invention all of the cartridges disclosed herein can optionally include a rim diameter that exceeds the base diameter by less than 0.02 inches. Indeed, example embodiments of cartridges included in the modular cartridge system generally have an extraction groove (i.e. substantially rimless, semi-rimless, and/or rebated). Unless otherwise noted herein, exemplary cartridges of the modular cartridge system are not fully rimmed cartridges (i.e. are generally categorized as semi-auto cartridges).

In another aspect, the present invention comprises a firearm capable of delivering the cartridges of the modular cartridge system described herein having unique grip dimensions. In one such example embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5, the firearm has grip dimensions designed to and/or capable of firing/discharging a 10 mm AUTO cartridge that is fed into the firearm chamber via any number or styles of semi-stacked or double-stacked magazines 65 wherein:

-   -   Grip Angle 59, as defined by the angle at which Direction of         Internal Portion of Firearm's Magazine Well 57, Frontal Grip         Portion of Firearm 58, and/or Direction of Firearm's Magazine         Insertion 62, intersects with Direction of Firearm's Cycling         Action 56, Slide, Slide Assembly, and or Barrel, is equal to or         greater than about 90 degrees and equal to or less than 180         degrees, but preferably equal to or greater than 95 degrees and         equal to or less than 150 degrees, even more preferably equal to         or greater than 100 degrees and equal to or less than 135         degrees, and even more preferably 105, 110, 115, 120 or 125         degrees±2.5 degrees,     -   Firearm Grip Length 60, as defined by the distance between any         point along 58 and any external point along the rear portion of         the firearm grip as depicted in Rearward Portion of Firearm 66,         wherein said firearm also possesses either one or both of the         following set of dimensions:         -   External Grip Width 61: equal to or less than 1.258 inches,             1.239 inches, 1.209 inches, 1.203 inches, 1.200 inches, or             1.174 inches with an exemplary embodiment of this value             being equal to or less than approximately 1.050 inches,             and/or,         -   External Magazine Width 63: equal to or less than 0.9805             inches, 0.9525 inches, 0.9295 inches, 0.9055 inches, 0.8605             inches, 0.8050 inches, or 0.8010 inches.

In another aspect, the present invention comprises cartridges having improved case strength dimensions—such cartridge strength dimensions are compatible with cartridges of the modular cartridge system discussed herein. Thus, exemplary cartridges can include a combination of enhanced dimensions for the case head such as, but not limited to, the 10 mm AUTO, .40 cal, .357 SIG, 9×25 Dillon and all example embodiment cartridges described and/or disclosed in this application wherein any cartridge possesses the following dimensions:

-   -   Extraction Groove Diameter (13/35): greater than 0.347 inches         AND     -   Inner Radius at Case Web (26/46): greater than 0.030 inches AND     -   Rim Diameter (15/37) and Base Diameter (16/38): greater than         0.411 inches but less than 0.439 inches

In another aspect, the present invention comprises a magazine suitable for use with cartridges of the modular cartridge system discussed herein. An exemplary magazine of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, an ammunition magazine capable of receiving, being loaded with, and or storing any cartridges or example embodiments comprising the following dimensions:

-   -   Rim Diameter (15/37) and Base Diameter (16/38): greater than         0.422 inches but less than 0.439 inches AND     -   Overall Length (4/29): greater than 1.550 inches but less than         3.001 inches.

In another aspect, the present invention comprises a magazine suitable for use with cartridges of the modular cartridge system discussed herein. An exemplary magazine of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, an ammunition magazine capable of receiving, being loaded with, and or storing any cartridges or example embodiments comprising the following dimensions:

-   -   Rim Diameter (15/37) and Base Diameter (16/38): greater than         0.425 inches but less than 0.439 inches AND     -   Overall Length (4/30): greater than 1.000 inches but less than         3.001 inches.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a firearm capable of interchangeably receiving any of a series of one or more firearm barrels that are designed to chamber, receive therein, discharge, and/or fire any of the cartridges according to example embodiments of the present invention.

Alternative Example Embodiments of the Present Invention

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any past, current or future type of projectile type, size, shape or material and may utilize any type of crimping or seating method utilized to join, affix, attach or seat said projectile into the case.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may be formed from any conventionally used materials such as, but not limited to, copper, brass, steel, aluminum, lead, alloy(s), polymer(s), plastic(s) and/or any combination thereof. However, nothing herein is intended to limit cartridges of the present invention to be formed from any particular material.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may include any amount or degree of positive, zero or negative Case-Wall Taper as defined by either industry standards or by the angle(s) created by the difference between the values of reference number 1 (Shoulder Diameter) and reference number 16 (Base Diameter), or by the difference between the value of reference number 1 (Shoulder Diameter) and reference number 15 (Rim Diameter) as depicted in FIG. 1 for the system's bottlenecked cartridge embodiments, and/or as defined by the difference between the values of reference number 27 (Case Mouth) and reference number 38 (Base Diameter) or by the difference between reference number 27 (Case Mouth) and reference number 37 (Rim Diameter) as depicted in FIG. 2 for the system's straight-walled cartridge embodiments, but preferably for either FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 2 cartridge designs, possess less than 10 degrees of Case-Wall Taper, even more preferably less than 3 degrees of Case-Wall Taper, and even more preferably less than 1.1 degrees of Case-Wall Taper or approximately the same amount of Case-Wall Taper of whichever parent cartridge the cartridge embodiment approximately or exactly shares its dimensions with as depicted in those values represented by reference numbers 13-20 or 35-42.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any degree of radius, whether equal to zero (very sharp radius), or larger than zero (less sharp radius), for any other angle or joining/union of lines referenced or not referenced in any of the above descriptions or diagrams of said embodiments.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any degree of concavity or convexity for any sections such as, but not limited to, the cartridge's sidewall, shoulder and/or case neck.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any past, current or future internal shape variations and/or components.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any type, design, shape or dimension of flash hole/pathway.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any past, current or future type, design, shape or dimension of ignition device(s) such as but not limited to a primer (Boxer, Berdan or other) or other non-primer ignition device(s) such as but not limited to those of the Piezo-electric type or any other ignition device either designed to or capable of utilizing electricity before, during, or after the ignition process.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any past, current or future type of propellant.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any type of initial, mid-burn, final, maximum, average, constant, momentary or variable pressure or strength rating.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any amount of strength, hardness, volume, weight or mass or any internal volumetric capacity whether said volumetric capacity is either actual or usable.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any type or amount of external or internal surface smoothness or texture and may possess any type of coating and/or sealant.

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any type, style or dimension of primer pocket inlet recess including but not limited to any past, current or future type of curved or angled design. Such recesses may be comprised of or possess either one, or multiple angle(s), and/or curve(s).

Any of the cartridges according to the modular cartridge system of the present invention may possess any type or amount of past, current or future temperature treating and may have undergone any form of stressing/de-stressing processes such as but not limited to heat treating and/or chemical washes or other types of treatments.

Advantages

223 & 308 Cartridges Replaced by Single Cartridge

Example cartridges of the present invention can possess a greater amount of momentum and or energy as measured at the muzzle than that of the prior art 223 Remington/5.56 NATO cartridge and, match or exceed the retained energy of, and/or possess a flatter trajectory than, that of the prior art 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO cartridge at some point along the flight path from zero to 1,000 yards.

AR-15/M-16 Magwell Compatibility

One or more of the system's cartridge embodiments can possess the ability to be stored in magazines designed to fit in a standard AR-15/M-16 magazine well. This allows existing .223 weapons to be utilized.

AR-15/M-16 Magazine Compatibility

One or more of the system's cartridge embodiments possess the ability to utilize existing 223 caliber AR-15/M-16 magazines that have not been significantly altered or modified.

Universal Magazine Simplicity

Advantageously, a single magazine can store all the system's cartridges possessing the same base diameters, shoulder/neck diameters and overall lengths, which further enables firearms to utilize multiple calibers with reduced complexity and cost.

Multi-Caliber Hot-Swap/Post-Purchase Caliber Flexibility

For example, a weapon possessing a 10 mm AUTO compatible bolt can easily switch between numerous existing calibers, 5 of which being the 10 mm AUTO, 10 mm MAGNUM, .40 cal, 357 SIG, & 9×25 Dillon. The bolts also enable the same firearms to utilize the numerous variations of the system's cartridge embodiments without needing a bolt change. This eliminates the need to buy & store multiple weapons to fire multiple calibers and reduces the risk of selecting and/or purchasing a single firearm whose caliber may later prove inadequate. The universal nature of the 10 mm bolt-compatible system facilitates post-firearm-selection flexibility in cartridge development.

Manufacturing Process

As previously mentioned, the present invention provides for a simplified manufacturing process. For example, all cases of the example cartridge embodiments discussed herein that are based off the 10 mm AUTO can be constructed with the same case head forming procedure. Thus the process by which the example cartridges are manufactured is simpler, faster, easier to change between rounds/cartridges sizes, and permits a manufacturer to perfect such cartridges due to repetition. Additionally, the same feed tubes for pistol and rifle rounds are utilized (since such cartridges are based on the 10 mm AUTO case). Furthermore, the manufacturing process is greatly simplified resulting in reduced costs. Moreover, any mid-stream changes on a particular production line between any rounds based off the 10 mm AUTO will be much easier and can be done on the same machine with the same feed tubes. Finally, pre-bottlenecked rifle cases can serve as the base case for example embodiments of the straight-walled cartridges. Thus, straight-walled 10 mm rifle cases can also be cut down to make mid-size or even shorter cases, such as but not limited to, pistol cases. This again simplifies manufacturing operations and increases versatility of existing components to both individual hand-loaders and commercial manufacturers alike.

Economy of Scale

Economy of scale of enormous proportions will be realized from the streamlining of production to one of the preferred embodiments rifle cartridges and 10 mm PISTOL rounds as they can replace at least 5 (and likely more) rounds (223, 308, 9 mm, 40 & 45). This allows a higher production volume of a fewer number of rounds, 10 mm and a rifle embodiment, which also enhances the cost savings and simplicity of using the same base case dimensions and primers.

Logistical

Civilians and military personnel no longer have to inventory, store & order five different cartridges such as 9 mm, .40, .45, .223 & .308; only the 10 mm AUTO and one of the system's rifle cartridge embodiments preferred by the user.

Magazine Diameter, Pistol Grip Diameter and Grip Angle:

As discussed, the present invention also includes an improved firearm for delivering cartridges according to the modular cartridge system, pistol grip dimensions, grip angles, and improved magazines. Indeed, the improved magazines enable pistols to store a double-stacked 10 mm magazine & still retain the thinner grip that most .40 caliber pistols have (and is often preferred among users). This allows users to increase grip comfort and overall grip strength (in addition to enabling a user to maintain full power 10 mm use while gripping pistol comfortably & firmly enough to effectively control recoil). Such an improved firearm (with the pistol grip dimensions, grip angles, and improved magazines described herein) also enable more accurate follow up shots, thereby reducing the chance of missing a target. As a net effect, this also decreases the risk of being disarmed by an assailant due to ineffective grip strength and enables shooters with smaller hands and/or weaker grip strength to defend themselves on a level-playing field with any would-be attacker. These benefits will increase the tendency for consumers to purchase more firearms chambered in 10 mm AUTO and will increase 10 mm AUTO bolt-face compatibility. This component will synergistically facilitate both the gradual adoption of the 10 mm AUTO as the standard replacement for 9 mm, 40 & 45 as well as the gradual adoption of the system's 10 mm-based cartridge embodiments as the standard replacements for the 223 & 308 prior art cartridges.

9 mm Transition Cartridge

The system's 9 mm case-based transition cartridge embodiments facilitate a significant increase in performance over the prior art .223 Rem. cartridge while permitting use of existing AR-15/M-16 magazines and existing .223 Rem. or 9 mm Luger compatible bolts. In addition the transition 9 mm system will allow such weapons as, but not limited to, AR-15's/M-16's to upgrade their performance via a simple barrel and bolt swap. Said embodiments also permit the utilization and manufacturing of one or more of the bullet diameters intended by the end user to eventually be utilized in the 10 mm AUTO based cartridge embodiments. This capability benefits consumers, suppliers and manufacturers by facilitating a more gradual, staged transition away from the prior art .223 Rem cartridge and toward the system's 10 mm AUTO based cartridge embodiments.

Belt-Fed Compatibility

Semi-auto and full-auto belt-fed firearms can easily use the same links to load any example cartridge embodiments based off the 10 mm AUTO case, thus cheaply and conveniently affording them a wide array of caliber choices from the proposed system.

.45 ACP Conversion Simplicity/Magazine Well Compatibility Existing .45 ACP weapons, whether utilizing single, semi or double-stacked magazines, can easily be converted to 10 mm AUTO as the 10 mm AUTO is both thinner and shorter than the .45 ACP, thus allowing magwell compatibility.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

1. A modular cartridge system for projectile launching devices, the system comprising: a plurality of cartridges each having a base, a rim, a case, and a projectile at least partially seated within the case; wherein the base diameter of each cartridge is between 0.4140 inches and 0.4310 inches; wherein the diameter of the projectile is between 0.220 inches and 0.4050 inches; and wherein the length of the case is less than or equal to 2.000 inches.
 2. The modular cartridge system of claim 1, wherein the case length is between 0.500 inches and 1.400 inches.
 3. The modular cartridge system of claim 1, wherein the case length is between 1.400 inches and 2.000 inches.
 4. The modular cartridge system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge case comprises a substantially cylindrical first portion having a first diameter, a substantially cylindrical second portion having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, and a conical portion intermediate the first and second portions, wherein the projectile is seated within the second portion of the case.
 5. The modular cartridge system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of cartridges include a rebated rim.
 6. The modular cartridge system of claim 1, wherein the case diameter is substantially constant along the length of the case.
 7. A modular cartridge system for projectile launching devices, the system comprising: a plurality of cartridges each having a base, a rim, a case, and a projectile at least partially seated within the case; wherein the base diameter of each cartridge is between 0.380 inches and 0.400 inches; wherein the diameter of the projectile is between 0.220 inches and 0.380 inches; and wherein the length of the case is less than or equal to 2.000 inches.
 8. The modular cartridge system of claim 7, wherein the case length is between 0.500 inches and 1.400 inches.
 9. The modular cartridge system of claim 7, wherein the case length is between 1.400 inches and 2.000 inches.
 10. The modular cartridge system of claim 7, wherein the cartridge case comprises a substantially cylindrical first portion having a first diameter, a substantially cylindrical second portion having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, and a conical portion intermediate the first and second portions, wherein the projectile is seated within the second portion of the case.
 11. The modular cartridge system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of cartridges include a rebated rim.
 12. The modular cartridge system of claim 7, wherein the case diameter is substantially constant along the length of the case.
 13. A modular cartridge system for firearms, the system comprising: a plurality of cartridges each having a base, a rim, a case, and a projectile coupled to the case; wherein each cartridge of the system include base and rim dimensions that are functionally equivalent; wherein the diameter of the projectile is variable between 0.220 inches and 0.4050 inches; and wherein the length of the case is variable between 0.500 inches and 2.000 inches.
 14. The modular cartridge system of claim 13, wherein a first portion of the plurality of cartridges have a constant cross-sectional diameter and a second portion of the plurality of cartridges have a variable cross-sectional diameter.
 15. The modular cartridge system of claim 13, wherein a first group of cartridges has a case length of between 0.500 inches and 1.400 inches, and a second group of cartridges has a case length of between 1.400 inches and 2.000 inches.
 16. The modular cartridge system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of cartridges includes rifle-based cartridges and pistol-based cartridges.
 17. The modular cartridge system of claim 13, wherein the cartridge cases are between about 50%-80% of the overall length of the cartridges. 